Project Accountant

McAlvain Companies, Inc; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McAlvain Companies, Inc. seeks a detail-oriented Project Accountant to manage the financial lifecycle of construction projects—from budgeting and cost audits to billings, collections and change order management.

You will collaborate with project teams, payroll, AP and project controls leadership to ensure precise cost tracking and timely close-out. Ideal candidates have 2+ years in construction accounting, a BA/BS in accounting or finance, and proficiency with ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Audit job costs monthly and identify irregularities
• Perform job cost adjustments to keep costs accurate
• Track committed costs and reconcile actuals against commitments
• Coordinate with payroll and accounts payable for correct project charging
• Review monthly payment applications for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare owner lien waivers and collect signatures
• Review subcontractor payment applications and lien waivers for accuracy
• Receive owner payments in the ERP and approve related payables
• Prepare payment work files in the ERP per vendor compliance and owner funding
• Review cost and revenue projections with the project team
• Review owner changes orders for accuracy before submission
• Review subcontractor changes orders for accuracy before submission
• Set up and maintain job cost budgets and schedules of values in ERP
• Complete project requirements and support team success
• Ensure important tasks and deadlines are met
• Support project team through challenges during the project life cycle

Skills

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

MS Office

Problem solving

Curiosity to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Vista by Viewpoint

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Project Accountant to join our construction project team. In this role, you will manage the full financial lifecycle of assigned projects — from job cost budgeting and monthly cost audits to billings, collections, and change order management. You'll work closely with project teams, payroll, accounts payable, and project controls leadership to ensure accurate cost tracking, timely billing, and compliant project close-out. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on accuracy, cross-team coordination, and keeping complex projects financially on track.

Responsibilities:

• Audit job costs monthly, identifying irregularities and presenting issues to the project team
• Perform job cost adjustments as necessary to keep project costs accurate
• Track committed costs and reconcile actuals against commitments
• Coordinate with payroll and accounts payable to ensure correct project charging
• Review monthly payment applications with the project team for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare and collect signatures on owner lien waivers
• Review subcontractor payment applications and lien waivers for accuracy and compliance
• Receive owner payments in the ERP and coordinate approval of associated job payables
• Prepare payment work files in the ERP based on vendor compliance and owner funding
• Review and interface monthly cost and revenue projections with the project team
• Review and interface owner change orders for accuracy and completeness prior to submission
• Review and interface subcontractor change orders for accuracy and completeness prior to submission
• Set up and maintain job cost budgets and schedules of values in the ERP per the standardized cost code structure
• Take initiative to complete project requirements, contributing to the team's success
• Ensure that important tasks and deadlines are achieved
• Support the project team through challenges and adversity that arisein the project life

Critical Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Time management and prioritization
• Attention to detail and organized
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to be resourcefuland solve problems
• Curiosity and willingness to learn

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or an equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Two plus years of experience in accounting for a commercial construction company
• Working knowledge of the construction accounting life cycle
• Experience with Vista by Viewpoint is a plus, but not required